PSC vs VTI
Principal U.S. Small-Cap Multi-Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.55% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 513 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.69% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.12% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.87% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.84% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 21, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
PSC vs VTI Performance
Principal U.S. Small-Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSC returned +33.12% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, PSC is up 20.69% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, PSC compounded at +17.87% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.84% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, PSC has the edge at +11.49% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 15.3% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -47.9% for PSC and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSC charges 0.38% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSC currently yields 0.55% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PSC and VTI share 378 holdings out of 2914 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSC or VTI?
PSC has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSC or VTI?
Over the past year PSC returned +33.12% vs +24.16% for VTI, so PSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PSC annualized +11.49% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSC or VTI?
PSC has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PSC -47.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PSC and VTI?
PSC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSC and VTI?
PSC and VTI share 378 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2914 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSC or VTI?
PSC yields 0.55% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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